Custom Fire Engine

The Gordon County Board of Commissioners is seeking sealed bids for a custom fire engine for the Gordon County Fire Department located in Calhoun, Georgia. The procurement involves a single custom fire apparatus that must meet 100% of the minimum standards outlined in the current NFPA 1900 standard. Specific technical requirements include a Cummins X10 engine with 450 horsepower, a 1,000-gallon water tank, a Waterous CSU 1500 U.S. GPM fire pump, and a custom aluminum body with precise dimensional specifications. Bidders must submit two sealed original printed proposals and one electronic copy to the Gordon County Administration Building by November 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The county will evaluate proposals from November 20 through December 1, 2025, with potential vendor notification of award on December 5, 2025. Evaluation criteria will include engine performance, safety levels, proposal completeness, past vendor performance, compliance with specifications, and local representation.

The procurement includes strict vendor qualifications, including a requirement for 100% U.S.-based ownership and a minimum 50-year business history. Bidders must demonstrate an established reputation in fire apparatus construction and the ability to provide prompt service and replacement parts. Vendors are required to complete a cost summary sheet and provide references from at least three previous customers with similar apparatus. The county reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and is not obligated to accept the lowest bid, instead focusing on selecting the proposal that best meets the county's needs. Warranty provisions are comprehensive, including ten-year warranties on body structure and paint, seven-year pump warranty, and two-year general warranties on various systems. While specific pricing details are not explicitly stated, the procurement suggests a significant investment in emergency response equipment tailored to the county's specific requirements.